Matti Heino

Current Research

My PhD research focuses on studying the demographic histories of the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and the Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis) using ancient DNA methods. The projects and main questions in my PhD research are:

Temporal genetic variation of the Saimaa ringed seal in the 20th centuryHow the changes in human impact (for example fishing, the change in classification from pest to protected animal) during the 20th century have influenced the genetic variation of the Saimaa ringed seal?

Impact of climatic fluctuations on the genetic variation of a large migratory herbivore mammal in the Late PleistoceneHow the climatic fluctuations during the Late Pleistocene have shaped the genetic variation of the reindeer in North-West Europe?

Demographic history of the Eurasian reindeerHow reindeer populations inhabiting mid-latitudes during the Late Pleistocene have contributed to extant populations, and how later processes have shaped the modern genetic variation of reindeer?